Etymology
The term is from the Middle English suppena and the Latin phrase sub poena meaning "under penalty". The term may also be spelled "subpena". The subpoena has its source in English common law and it is now used almost with universal application throughout the English common law world. However, for civil proceedings in England and Wales, it is now described as a witness summons, as part of reforms to replace Latin terms with English terms which are easier to understand. John Waltham, Bishop of Salisbury, is said to have created the writ of subpoena in the reign of Richard II.
Read more about this topic: Subpoena
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